The Chic Traveler

Book a trip based on recommendations and reviews from my travel experiences.

[thechictraveler]

Sydney Bars

As a Sydney-sided who has lived in New York for that last 8 years, I must admit that I’m a bit out of touch with the bar scene down under. That said, I was on a recent trip back home where I visited some of the old and the new bar scenes after hours to check out what was happening.

Here are my top picks:

1. Opera Bar. This is a great spot after work. There’s a live band and indoor and outdoor seats if you prefer some shade from the Harsh Australian sun.

2. Barangaroo House. A great spot for pre-drinks before heading off next door to Bungalow 8 for dancing.

3. Bar Machiavelli for a chic dinner and cocktails.

4. The Deck if you’re in the city, catch a ferry from Circular Quay to Luna Park for the most stunning view of Sydney habour over a few cheeky cocktails. An added perk, champagne is half price during happy hour.

5. The Hacienda. I didn’t get a chance to visit but the pictures of this bar look devine. Worth a look if you can make it.

[prettystuff]

[thechictraveler]

Positano

I had serious trip envy with each post that Jacey Duprie shared during her vacation to Positano last summer. While I’ve posted quite a bit about Italy lately, I couldn’t pass up an opportunity to share the gorgeous hotel (pictured here) that she stayed at called Il San Pietro.  

[thechictraveler]

Taormina, Sicily -- a hotel tip, pass it on.

I had to post about this incredible hotel that I found when we were sailing by it one late afternoon in August. The hotel is called the Capotaormina and it is based in Taormina, Sicily.

While this hotel is a splurge, around $300 USD a night in peak season if you book early enough, it’s incredible and worth it! For last-minute bookings, it can go as high as $600 USD during peak season. Full disclosure, I did not stay here but had I known about this breathtaking hotel, I probably would have! While the hotel is off limits to those who aren't staying there, the hotel staff allowed me to tour the premises.  I even had the chance to walk through the cave (pictured here) and experience the private beach that is for hotel guests only. 

Perched on top of the mountain is the hotel's very own saltwater pool. To get to the pool, you have to go into an elevator built inside the mountain. While I have several hotel recommendations that are just as incredible as this one, this is my top pick if you’re looking for an experience unlike any other. To book, visit the hotel’s website here.

[thechictraveler]

Castelmola Messina

If you’ve ever wanted to visit Sicily, I recommend this spot here -- Taormina. I took this photo during a trip that I went on at the end of August with a group of amazing friends who longed for the Italian sunshine. 

But a trip here would not be complete if it didn’t include a lazy Sunday stroll up to the top of a mountain where the city lays bare for all to see. The place pictured is specifically called Castelmola Messina. 

While the heat was... well... heating up, it did not deter my friends and me from strolling the beautiful cobblestone streets which had a rich history. You could see groups of Italian men sitting on park benches as they sipped their cups of espresso while other locals peered outside their windows. 

The walk was the perfect way to soak in all that this small town had to offer. But on our walk, we stumbled across the most unexpected sighting...I later discovered the irony behind this photograph which I took after a few well-earned Aperol Spritzes! 

This church, a local gem, is positioned right next to a famous cafe where the male form is highlighted throughout the cafe! We stumbled across this most unlikely restaurant by chance. The restaurant is called Turrisi. If you speak Italian, you’ll know exactly what this cafe is all about! If you don’t, here’s a link.

My recommendation, don’t be afraid to go in, sit, and eat. It has great food, plenty of customers flocking to get in, delicious cocktails, and the wait staff is incredibly friendly. No reservations are required; however, it does get busy because it is the most well-known cafe in the whole town.

This spot should undoubtedly be on your must-see list when you go.